Discover the Puerto Rican paradise of Esperanza
Perched along the southern coast of the Puerto Rican island of Vieques, Esperanza serves up a relaxed scene for vacations with family and friends. The coastal side of this laid-back town, known as "The Strip," is a favorite spot for locals and visitors alike, thanks in part to the old sugar cane pier that provides picture-perfect views of colorful boats bobbing in the impossibly blue water, and beyond to Monte Pirata, the island's highest peak. Looking for the perfect place to stay? Esperanza vacation rentals, many set just steps from the sand, are just the thing.
Cultural delights in Esperanza
While a stay in an Esperanza vacation rental typically involves a great deal of sun and sand, there are culture fixes to be had by those who want them. The ruins of Casa del Francés, a plantation house built in the early 1900s, offer a peek into the island's past – as does a trip to the Vieques Conservation and Historical Trust, a small but fascinating museum with the added bonus of starfish touch pools for the kids. In Isabel Segunda, around a 15-minute drive from Esperanza, the elegantly restored Count Mirasol Fort boasts a small archeology museum and various art exhibits.
Seasonal appeal in Esperanza
Although temperatures in Vieques hover around 80 all year round, demand for vacation homes is at its highest during the high season of mid-December through to mid-May. Holidays such as Christmas and Easter are particularly popular, so it pays to book your preferred home as far in advance as possible. On the flip side, the best deals on Esperanza vacation rentals are often found during the low seasons of mid-April to mid-June and August through November, the latter because of the arrival of hurricane season in the Caribbean. July offers a great compromise – affordable rental rates, sunny days and a much smaller chance of rain.
Natural wonders near Esperanza
East of Esperanza lies almost 15,000 acres of the Vieques National Wildlife Refuge – one of Puerto Rico's largest protected reserves. Venture inside this sprawling mass of verdant greenery to find a forested inner heart surrounded by powder-soft sandy beaches and a sensational coral-fringed coastline. Trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding meander through the reserve, serving up an idyllic setting for a little downtime. Both shore and kayak fishing can be enjoyed, while the reserve's pretty cays, some of the most scenic on the island, offer the chance to dive, swim and snorkel among a colorful array of marine life.
Transportation to and around Esperanza
Fly into Vieques (VQS-Antonio Rivera Rodriguez), the closest airport, located 2.5 mi (4 km) from the city center. If you can't find a flight that's convenient for your trip, you could also fly into Culebra (CPX-Benjamin Rivera Noriega), which is 18.6 mi (29.9 km) away.
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